LOVE ON PAPER

CHAPTER 3

The Tour.

Patricia smiled, she felt like she had support in him. “Thanks, Tam! I appreciate it”

Lily quickly rose to her feet and she had a very naughty expression on her face. “Yeah, now that Tam is out saving the world, one computer program at a time, I can take you around California.”

That excited Patricia, she laughed and prepared to go for an adventure. “I like that Lil, where is it?’’

Lily grinned. “Lunch at this amazing food truck festival and then at the end of the day a visit to this impressive Getty Center for sure, should be the plan then, don’t you think so?’’

Patricia nodded enthusiastically. “What a wonderful plan for a day out. I think that should be done.”

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In the afternoon, the city was embraced by the beauty of the sun, and taking to the roads during this time, Patricia felt free. This was a chance to be around good people, an attractive environment, and, literally, anything. What more could she ask for?

She had no idea that fun sightseeing would make her have an encounter that was to shape the rest of her life.

While walking down the sidewalks of the streets, Lily and Patricia discussed almost everything, starting from clothing to television series.

Patricia just dreamed of seeing the American brand’s shops, the varnishes, and the designer stores. ‘’Lily, I consider this place as the shoppers’ haven. I have never witnessed such beauty and class before.

Lily laughed. “Hello, the city of stars and glitz and glamour! But there is so much more to it than the glitter. There are a lot of museums and art, good food and culture.”

Patricia just listened and looked, the silicon bra from the mannequin still in her hand. ‘’Yeah, I can affirm that, everyone looks relaxed and people are friendly, it’s quite refreshing here.’’

Lily smiled. “Certainly, Californians are indeed a breed unto themselves. They love freedom and are obsessed with individualism, as well as living to the fullest.”

As they entered another fine boutique, Patricia saw a beautiful dress that she fancied. Lily persuaded her to put it on, and while Patricia danced in front of the mirror, she cheered up like she had won a million dollars.

Lily beamed with pride. “Wow Trish, you look beautiful! That dress suits you so well.’’

“You wearing that dress is testimony that it was tailor-made for you, Trish.”

Patricia blushed; it was so nice to hear such words from a friend. “Thanks, Lil. You’re the best shopping partner anyone could ever ask for.”

Suddenly, Lily’s phone rang. She looked at the screen and laughed suggestively. “Guess who is joining us for lunch?”

Patricia raised an eyebrow. "Who?"

Lily's grin grew wider.

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They had barely seated themselves at their table when Lily's husband, Tam, walked over to say hello. "Hello, beautiful! Hello, Patricia! Good to see you both, ladies."

Lily leaned over to kiss him a kiss. "Hello, hon! How was work?"

Tam took a sip of water and then dove into a minute-by-minute account of his day at the office. Patricia listened while he spoke, smiling and chipping in as appropriate.

She turned to order, and Tam then turned to Patricia to say, "Well, there seems to be no vacancy right now in our company. We don't hire at the moment.’’

Patricia's face fell, but Lily reassured her quickly. "Oh, don't worry, Patricia! You're more than welcome to stay with us for however long you want. We love having you around."

Her face brightened with a smile, grateful. "Thanks, guys. You're lifesavers. I promise I won't overstay my welcome."

Tam smiled. "You're not overstaying at all. We enjoy your company. And who knows? Maybe something will open up soon."

They dug into lunch, and all Patricia could feel at this point was gratefulness for the sensitive hearts of her friends. She did know she had to get up on her feet pretty soon, but then she could just be content to be around people who genuinely cared for her.

A tall, handsome man walked in, his eyes raking over the restaurant as if he was looking for someone. Patricia felt that strong jolt of electricity all down her spine when his eyes cut toward their table.

"Who's that?" she whispered to Lily, nodding discreetly toward the stranger.

Lily followed her gaze and c****d an eyebrow. "No idea, but he looks like trouble."

Tam chuckled. "Or maybe he's just looking for a good meal."

The stranger walked towards them, step by step, and Patricia felt her pulse surge. How could she have ever known all it would take was just a few seconds to change everything?

The stranger locked his eyes on Patricia, deliberately flashing a charming smile. "Mind if I join you?" he asked, his deep voice sending shivers down her spine.

Lily and Tam exchanged another curious glance, but Patricia just shrugged. "I guess not."

He drew up a chair and introduced himself as Ethan, a businessman with quite a flair for technology. His confidence and charisma had hit her right away.

Ethan seemed quite interested in what had been happening to her, asking questions about her job search and what plans were in store for the future. She found herself opening up to him in ways she did not seem to expect.

They finally finished lunch, after which Ethan looked at his watch and rose. "Sorry, but I'm going to be late for a certain meeting. Nice talking to all of you; especially you, Patricia."

He handed her his business card. "If you are interested in exploring chances in tech, I would be more than happy to chat more. Maybe we can have coffee sometime?"

She took the card from him, and suddenly a jolt of electricity sparked when their fingers touched. "I'd like that," she told him, smiling up at him.

Lily watched him go then glanced to Patricia. "Well, well, well. Look who has a new admirer."

Patricia's face flushed as little wings fluttered inside her chest. She couldn't lie to herself—at least not when near Ethan. She felt something. But was it a friendly touch or something more? Time will tell….

They had finished their lunch, and with Lily leading the way, Tam holding open the door, they went out of the restaurant, then sauntered their way out into the warmth of the sunshine. Reaching around to open the car door for Patricia, Tam beamed at her. She smiled graciously, sliding into the seat behind her.

But there was something in Tam's gallant gesture that raised a tiny flame of irritation across Lily's skin. She adored how considerate he could be, yet there was something about this microscopic action that seemed just too personal. She pushed the thought aside, willing herself to just get over it: that she was being ridiculous.

On their way home, the chatter was up and down the aisle, with Patricia going on about plans for the future and Tam giving her all the encouragement. The discussion carried on as Lily listened intently but looked straight ahead, her thoughts having been slipped a good many miles away to a stranger named Ethan that Patricia had taken quite a shine to.

Finally, when they reached home, Patricia thanked them once more for their understanding and hospitality. Lily smiled at her warmly. She felt guilt inside because of the way she was earlier. "Anytime, Patricia, you're family now."

Patricia nodded and walked toward the house as Lily turned low to Tam. "You didn't have to get the door for her. She’s perfectly capable of doing it herself."

Tam's eyebrows quirked up. "What's wrong, Lil? I was being polite."

Lily just sighed and shook her head. "Nothing, Tam. Just forget it."

He shrugged, and they both went into the house, but as she did, Lily couldn't rid herself of the feeling that something had just subtly shifted between their little trio.